A framework for ancillary services design

Abstract

In a fast changing electrical power sector the design of ancillary services is challenged and policy makers are required to take decisions on the adjustment of current ancillary services practices and on the introduction of new ancillary services. Even though ancillary services are crucial for the reliability of unbundled power systems, current literature does not provide a structured approach to describe and compare the design of different ancillary services. We propose a generic framework for ancillary service designs that allows for a comparative ancillary service assessment as a first step towards a comprehensive evaluation framework. Applicability of the framework and its generic design variables is shown by comparing ancillary services of different objectives and different regulatory areas.